Remember that massively multiplayer free to play FPS Borderlands Online that was meant to function as a spin-off to the main series? According to Take Two Interactive, the developer 2K China has been shut down along with the game. Roughly 150 staff members have been let go in the process.

A representative recently told Games Industry International that, “We can confirm that we are closing 2K China. We determined that the additional time required to finish current projects at the studio, particularly Borderlands Online, would not yield a favourable return on investment.”

Take Two Interactive continues to have a presence thanks to its other Asian studios though.

Gearbox Software is working on Borderlands 3 but for now, its efforts are more focused towards co-op/competitive MOBA/FPS hybrid Battleborn which will be releasing in May 2016. What are your thoughts on Borderlands Online shutting down? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more details.

If you’ve always wanted an online version of Gearbox’s hit Borderlands franchise, then you’ll be happy to hear about Borderlands: Online. Of course, you’ll be admittedly disheartened to hear that it’s limited to China only on PC.

Those located in China can check out the online shooter above ahead of its technical test which begins today. Like other games in the franchise, you’ll have a variety of loot and customization options for your character to build off of. Various classes let you alter your play style and provide different ways to contribute to the team.

Again though, like Call of Duty: Online, it doesn’t seem that Borderlands: Online will ever head to the West. It’s worth a look, if only to see what could have been and who knows? If there’s enough demand for it, Gearbox may bring it to English-speaking players. Always keep hope and whatnot.

What are your thoughts on the video? Let us know below.

(Source)

Borderlands will finally be receiving an online-only title with Borderlands Online but it will only be available in China according to a recent announcement from 2K China, Shanda Games and Gearbox Software.

The MMO will be live next year but beta sign-ups are currently available for those who want to give it a try before release. It’s worth noting that Borderlands Online will be available for PC and mobile devices. It will also add some new classes though more information – such as whether the game will be a first person shooter like all the games in the series – is still to come.

The last major game in the franchise was Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel which was a significant entry but not a full-fledged sequel. It took place between the first and second games, fleshing out the story of Handsome Jack and how Hyperion rose to power. What are your thoughts on the announcement of Borderlands Online? Let us know in the comments.

(Screenshot via news17173)